So I'm off to NZ soon and had managed to find a day to hopefully do some riding in Rotorua. I have now realised that Crankworx is on when I'll be there. I was hoping to hire a bike and some gear and do some fairly chill riding (spannering myself would be rather inconvenient), but I don't know if that's going to be difficult whilst Crankworx is on.
Not sure whether I'm really bothered about spectating much, but I've never been to anything similar so perhaps it's a good time.
I would welcome any thoughts/advice.
I went to Rotorua for a week 2 years ago.
It was winter so didn't ride the area with the chairlift. Stuck to whakarewarewa forest. Amazing riding.
We did 1 day of uplift (I think from te puia....), wish we had done more tbh, allowed us to session a lot more trails as it's a big area with a decent amount of climbing. Fantastic riding.
Crankworx is at Skyline, leaving the forest free for riding, 160km plus of trails mean that you'll be fine. It's an opportunity you'll regret missing if you don't ride while you can. When are you there? I may be able to join you n show some trails off.
Not sure whether I'm really bothered about spectating much, but I've never been to anything similar so perhaps it's a good time.
I watched the DH last year but as it was in the forest I just went for a ride and watched a bit from the start then rode down to the jumps and watched from there for a bit . There was quite a few big names last year so if your into the DH it might be worth a watch . We keep meaning to take the kids to watch the slopestyle but haven't got round to it yet .
The riding in the forest is brilliant , especially if your wanting a more chilled riding experience. It's one of the best thing about the place in my opinion is that there genuinely are trails for all levels of riders so if you want a bit less gnar you'll still have a good day out .
I live about an hour away so if you fancy a STW ride out I'd be keen .
Thanks folks,that's super helpful and sounds like it won't be an issue. Crankworx I think would be cool, but my partner isn't an MTBer and this trip is our one chance to see NZ this decade so I'll likely give it a miss.
Definitely up for a ride or happy to take advice on trails etc. and bike hire, perhaps there will be brands offering test rides to take advantage of? I think I can probably do either Friday 7th or Saturday 8th March
Unfortunately that's my youngest birthday so I doubt I'll manage to get out on those days .
For riding in the forest Mountain Bike Rotorua do hire bikes and their based at the main visitor centre and the waipa car park , giants and treks I think . There are a few more places as well , I think electric bike Rotorua have Whyte Ebikes .
As for trails there are so many to choose from , it depends on what you're looking for . If your just looking for a nice relaxed easy ride the forest loop is good and not technical at all . If your after something a bit more challenging have a look for the grade 3s and 4s such as hot cross buns , E Vs S , black house down , box of birds and te poaka , there just the ones I can spell , my spelling and pronunciation of the Maori named trails is pretty poor but I am trying.
If I've got a few hours I normally park at the waipa car park and head up apumoana which is a nice easy climbing trail , at the top there are some lovely trails which drop you back down to the start of the climb then I'll head back up and repeat a couple of times before heading down hot cross and head to the shuttle for a couple of laps before finishing with EVS to get back to the car .
The staff in the shops are pretty friendly and have trail maps and will help you out and you always seem to get chatting to someone on the shuttle bus so I'm sure you'll be able to find something suitable.
Shame I won't be able to join you but you'll have a blast I'm sure .
I was there last week.. Whakarewarewa Forest is being harvested at the moment and has been since November so access to some of the trails is disrupted, the regular uplift shuttle routes have changed and some routes and trails are not available anymore until they are finished/rebuilt
Shuttle pass price depends on how many trips you buy but it gets cheaper from 10 dollars a trip. You can cycle to areas the shuttles serve but it involves a lot of climbing so hire an e-bike because it's much more fun going down and you'll save yourself some time.
It's full of amazing trail that will just leave you wanting more, Have Fun
Daughter is out in Rotoura living her dream. A mixture of Bike Patrol Officer for Skyline and Medic for Peak which allows her plenty of time on the trails.
She will be working during Crankworks but says most of the trails should be open for riding
She also sent this link for you to give some idea
Thanks @moonsaballoon for an excellent guide. No worries, enjoy your celebrations
@Royston that's very helpful. An ebike seems the way to go to maximise my day.
@Tracey Wow, that sounds like an amazing job, appreciate you asking that's good news.
I am definitely starting to get excited now.
A few years back on a trip to NZ I had a few days in Rotarua. I rode a normal bike one day which was great but on the second day in order to explore more and further I hired an ebike which is what I would recommend if time limited.
IIRC I used Planet Bike for rentals. They were great and really helpful with route suggestions both days.